Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

7.9Km 2025-01-17

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Imjin War. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the "Secret Garden," was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a rest area for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden, or Secret Garden, after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace and its complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Yeogiga Jokenne (여기가좋겠네)

7.9Km 2021-03-29

18, Hoegi-ro 19-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-968-9112

A store featured in Korean gourmet programs. The best menu at this restaurant is Spicy Braised Chicken. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul.

Jungmyeongjeon Hall (중명전)

7.9Km 2025-01-09

41-11, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-7525

Located near Deoksugung Palace, Jungmyeongjeon Hall is a red-brick modern Western-style building. It was built in 1899 as the imperial library of the Korean Empire. After Deoksugung Palace caught on fire in 1904, the place became the temporary residence of Emperor Gojong. It also witnessed the tragic part of history in which the infamous Eulsa Treaty (Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty), an illegal treaty forced by Japan, was signed in 1905. Its exhibition hall serves as a place for historical education.

Korean Museum of Straw and Life (짚풀생활사박물관)

7.9Km 2022-09-15

45, Sungkyunkwan-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-8787

Korean Museum of Straw and Life is a private museum dedicated to the collection, research, and display of materials and historical accounts of diverse straws and their uses in Korea. As Koreans' lifestyle in the past heavily depended on agriculture and cultivation of crops, straws and grasses were easily found and had many uses. The museum aims to educate the general public of how different straw were produced and used by Korean ancestors as well as their significance in connection with today's lifestyle.

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

7.9Km 2025-07-14

33 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Matthew Chang Anguk flagship store uses the whole space to bring the brand's philosophy to life through fragrance. Located in Anguk, the heart of Korea's tradition and aesthetics, the store's tranquil atmosphere sets the mood for visitors to try on and experiment with the brand's carefully selected perfume collection. The staff provides assistance in recommending the perfect scent according to visitor's preference, mood, and nostalgia. The store also has a section dedicated to body care products, such as hand wash and body lotion.

Nature Collection - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (네이처컬렉션 광화문)

7.9Km 2024-04-18

1F, 105, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Ewha Centennial Hall (이화여고100주년기념관)

7.9Km 2024-02-20

26 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Ewha Centennial Hall is a multimedia education center located next to Ewha Girls' High School. Spanning underground and five above-ground floors, it features a gallery, a cafe, music rooms, individual practice rooms, and audio-visual rooms. The Hwaham Hall on the first and second floors is utilized for performances such as musicals and concerts, as well as educational events.

Godiva - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (고디바 광화문점)

7.9Km 2024-04-22

1F, to 3F, 159, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

7.9Km 2025-06-19

4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.
SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.
The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.

Seoul Udam Naengchae Jokbal (서울우담냉채족발)

7.9Km 2021-03-29

39, Kyungheedae-ro 1ga-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7664-9996

This is a place that sells Jokbal (pig’s feet) with good taste and aroma. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is chilled braised pigs' feet salad.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계문화유산]) - Area information - Korea travel information